RCMP chief shocked suspected cop killer is a Mountie

OTTAWA – RCMP Commissioner William Elliott says he was shocked to learn that a Mountie has been charged with the murder of Ottawa police officer Ireneusz ‘Eric’ Czapnik.

Elliott issued a statement from his office saying Const. Kevin Gregson had been suspended without pay and asked to resign from the force but the suspected killer has appealed his dismissal.

“It was with profound sadness that I learned that Ottawa Police Constable Ireneusz ‘Eric’ Czapnik was killed while on duty in Ottawa early this morning,” said Elliott.

“On my own behalf and on behalf of the RCMP, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Constable Ireneusz ‘Eric’ Czapnik`s family and to all of the employees of the Ottawa Police Service,” he said.

“I was also shocked to learn that the individual who has been arrested and charged with Constable Ireneusz ‘Eric’ Czapnik`s murder is a member of the RCMP, Constable Kevin Gregson of “F” Division (Saskatchewan) who was suspended in 2006 with pay and recently suspended without pay,” he said.

“He has been ordered to resign from the Force or be dismissed. His dismissal has been appealed,” said the RCMP boss.

“I have spoken to Ottawa Police Chief Vern White to offer our sympathy and support. We will continue to keep Constable Ireneusz ‘Eric’ Czapnik and his family in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.